Build upon your undergraduate experiences in history, the social sciences, or Social Science Education by expanding your knowledge, abilities, and competencies to provide powerful instruction grounded in classroom-tested, research-based principles. As a graduate of our M.Ed. program, you’ll be eligible to apply for Alabama Class A professional educator certification. The M.Ed. degree is offered both online or on campus. The Alternative M.Ed. degree is offered only on campus

Alternative M.Ed. Degree Overview

The Alternative M.Ed. is designed for those with an undergraduate degree in history or one of the social sciences. Program completion leads to recommendation for Class A Alabama professional educator certification.

This program is only offered on campus.

Coursework — 33 hours minimum

Our content-specific, inquiry-oriented courses are paired with intensive school field experiences to prepare graduates who are recognized as deeply reflective practitioners of powerful social studies teaching.

  • Teaching field courses (History or Social Science)* — 12 hours

    • General social studies programs shall require at least one course in two areas within the broader field (i.e., ECON, GEOG, HIST, POLI)

  • Professional studies courses* — 21 to 24 hours

    • Includes Clinical Residency (internship)

*Undergraduate courses may be required by your advisory committee for your plan of study. This coursework is in addition to the total hours noted above and must be completed prior to Clinical Residency.

View all course requirements

M.Ed. Degree Overview

The M.Ed. degree is designed for those who already hold a valid teaching certificate. Program completion leads to recommendation for Class A Alabama professional educator certification.

This program is available on campus or online.

Coursework — 30 to 32 hours

Our content-specific, philosophically-coherent courses and classroom-based action-research project set our graduates apart as deeply reflective practitioners of inquiry-based social studies teaching.

  • Teaching field courses (History or Social Science) — 12 hours

    • General Social Studies programs shall require at least one course in two areas within the broader field (i.e., ECON, GEOG, HIST, POLI).

  • Social science/history education courses — 12 to 14 hours

  • Professional studies courses* — 6 hours

*RSED 6000/6006 Advanced Survey of Exceptionality is required if a survey of special education course was not previously completed.

View all course requirements

Ready to join the Auburn Family?

Visit Auburn’s Graduate School homepage for checklists, resources, valuable graduate student information and to begin your application. Please contact department faculty listed above with program-specific questions.

Graduate School
Last updated: 11/13/2023